“Within Our Grasp: Childhood Malnutrition Worldwide and the Revolution Taking Place to End It” by Sharman Apt Russell
Within Our Grasp describes a web of issues that lead to childhood malnutrition. Based on Apt Russell’s 2016 sojourn in Malawi, this outstanding book also details numerous programs and ideas designed to combat hunger.
“Aristotle and Dante Dive into the Waters of the World” by Benjamin Alire Saenz
A thrilling sequel to Alire Saenz’s Young Adult novel Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe, in which two boys fell in love. Now, in the follow-up, the boys struggle in the face of obstacles raised by an unjust and uncaring society.
“The Beloved Border: Humanity and Hope in a Contested Land” by Miriam Davidson
A veteran journalist reports on the border issues that have made us question our very humanity: children separated from their families and left in cages, corpses piling up in the desert, and environmental devastation. Davidson examines how these issues intersect, and somehow finds hope.
“Tony Hillerman: A Life” by James McGrath Morris
A superb biography of one of the great Southwestern authors. McGrath Morris provides fascinating and little-known insights into the great mystery writer’s life, including Hillerman’s early years in Depression-era Oklahoma, his war service and subsequent PTSD, and his relationship with Navajo culture.
“The Removed” by Brandon Hobson
Steeped in Cherokee lore, this luminous novel by National Book Award finalist Brandon Hobson explores trauma, grief and the healing power of stories.
“Nepantla Familias” ed. Sergio Troncoso
This exceptional anthology of essays, poems, and short stories presents the dichotomies of Mexican American life: traditional versus modern ways, Spanish versus English, materiality versus spirituality.
“Fortunate Son” by Rick Bass
These superb essays by novelist, short story writer, and environmental writer/activist Rick Bass excavate the author’s roots – a Texas of the past and present, the Lone Star State lost and found.
“The Five Wounds” by Kirstin Valdez Quade
From the author of the short story collection Night at the Fiestas comes a dazzling first novel, a tour de force about a tough-tender New Mexican family struggling to come to terms with its past sins.